Central Bank of Costa Rica warns of scammers offering fake loans using the bank’s identity and its president’s name

The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) issued a public alert about an attempted scam in which fraudsters impersonate the central bank, using its logo and purported stationery and seals, to persuade people to apply for a supposed loan. The scammers contact potential victims via instant messaging platforms and social media, and seek to bolster credibility with fabricated documents presented as official BCCR materials, including a “Licence to provide credit services under preferential conditions”, a “Credit contract”, and a letter bearing the central bank’s logo describing purported credit advisory services. The BCCR stated these documents are false and reiterated that it does not provide any type of credit to individuals or companies, and advised the public not to share personal data such as access credentials or card PINs through any physical or electronic channel.